Door assembly with high and low voltage electrical power supplies for integrated electric devices and methods of operating the door

ABSTRACT

A door system comprises a door frame adapted to be mounted within an opening, a door pivotally attached to the door frame, a power converter such as an AC/DC converter operably associated the door frame, and a DC electric device mounted to the door and electrically connected to the AC/DC converter. The AC/DC converter is configured to be electrically connected to an AC power unit operably associated with the door system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM TO PRIORITY

This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplications Ser. No. 62/957,413 filed Jan. 6, 2020, Ser. No. 63/064,045filed Aug. 11, 2020 and Ser. No. 63/087,520 filed Oct. 5, 2020, all bySorice et al., which are each hereby incorporated herein by reference inits entirety and to which priority is claimed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to exterior or interior doors forresidential or commercial buildings, such as for a home, apartment,condominium, hotel room or business, and more particularly to a doorassembly provided with sources of low- and/or high-voltage electricalpower in order to provide power that may be used to operate electricdevices mounted to the door assembly. The invention is also directed tomethods of operating the door.

2. Description of the Related Art

Typical existing exterior or interior doors for residential orcommercial buildings may have a number of electric devices (orcomponents) mounted to the doors in order to provide desired functions,such as electronic access control, door state feedback, an entry cameraand audio communication, an electric powered door latch, an electricpowered door lock, etc. Also, the market for exterior and interior doorshas seen an increasing adoption of additional electric devices includingvideo doorbells, smart locks, LED lighting, smart glass,electromechanical door closers, wireless connectivity electronics, etc.Each of these discrete electric devices is an add-on to an existingdoor, functions with the existing door construction, and is poweredseparately with at least one battery that requires periodic replacement.Should the battery not be replaced, then the electric device will notoperate.

Current electric devices are mounted to exterior or interior doors in amanner that can be unattractive and unpleasant to look at. The electricdevices typically each have either one or more rechargeable batterypacks or at least one non-rechargeable battery that must periodically berecharged or changed and have some type of weatherable housing that maynot match the appearance of the door.

While the commercial market, e.g., multi-tenant and mixed-use housing,hospitality, office, etc., has developed electrified door entry systemswith electric strikes and door controller technologies, the adoptioninto the residential market has been limited. Existing residential doorconstruction techniques focus on stile and rail construction, and havenot seen integration of power systems or integration of electricdevices.

Therefore, the need exists for a door and methods of operation designedfor integration of electric devices into the door, with power run to thedoor so electric devices may be easily integrated into and powered froma central power supply without adversely impacting structural integrity,insulation and/or acoustic performance, energy efficiency, andaesthetics of the door. Thus, improvements that may enhance performanceand cost of door assemblies with electric devices are possible.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provideda door system. The door system comprises a door frame adapted to bemounted within an opening, a door pivotally attached to the door frame,a power converter such as an AC/DC converter operably associated thedoor frame, and a DC electric device mounted to the door andelectrically connected to the AC/DC converter. The AC/DC converter isconfigured to be electrically connected to an AC power unit operablyassociated with the door system

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is providedan entry system. The entry system comprises a door frame mounted withinan entryway, a door pivotally attached to the door frame, a powerconverter such as an AC/DC converter operably associated with the doorframe, an AC power unit operably associated with the door frame andelectrically connected to the AC/DC converter, a DC power distributionsystem operably associated with the door and/or door frame andelectrically connected to the AC/DC converter, and a plurality of DCelectric devices mounted to the door and/or door frame and electricallyconnected to the AC/DC converter through the DC power distributionsystem.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provideda method of operating an entryway. The method of operating the entrywaycomprises the steps of providing a door frame within an opening, a doorhaving an electric power operating mechanism pivotally mounted to thedoor frame, positioning a source of AC power proximate the door frame,altering the supplied AC power such as by generating DC power byrectifying and reducing the voltage of the AC power, and supplyinglow-voltage DC power to the door, positioning at least one DC electricdevice on the door, and operating the DC electric device.

Other aspects of the invention, including apparatus, devices, methods,and the like which constitute parts of the invention, will become moreapparent upon reading the following detailed description of theexemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part ofthe specification. The drawings, together with the general descriptiongiven above and the detailed description of the exemplary embodimentsand methods given below, serve to explain the principles of theinvention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is an elevational exterior view of an exterior door systemaccording to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational interior view of the door system according tothe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the door system according to the firstexemplary embodiment of the present invention without an exterior doorskin;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a door according to the firstexemplary embodiment taken along the lines 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views of the door according to analternative exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a door according to anotheralternative exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an elevational interior view of an exterior door systemaccording to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the door according to the secondexemplary embodiment of the present invention taken along the lines 9-9in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an elevational interior view of an exterior door systemaccording to a third exemplary embodiment of the present inventionwithout an exterior door skin;

FIG. 11 is an elevational interior view of an exterior door systemaccording to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present inventionwithout an exterior door skin;

FIG. 12 is an elevational interior view of an exterior door systemaccording to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present inventionwithout an exterior door skin;

FIG. 13 is an elevational interior view of an exterior door systemaccording to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present inventionwithout an exterior door skin;

FIG. 14 is an elevational exterior view of an exterior door systemaccording to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention;and

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the exterior door system according tothe seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention with an opendoor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments andexemplary methods as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in whichlike reference characters designate like or corresponding partsthroughout the drawings. It should be noted, however, that the inventionin its broader aspects is not necessarily limited to the specificdetails, representative materials and methods, and illustrative examplesshown and described in connection with the exemplary embodiments andexemplary methods.

This description of exemplary embodiments is intended to be read inconnection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be consideredpart of the entire written description. In the description, relativeterms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “front,” “rear,” “upper”,“lower”, “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g.,“horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed torefer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawingfigure under discussion and to the orientation relative to a vehiclebody. These relative terms are for convenience of description andnormally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Termsconcerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and“interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are securedor attached to one another either directly or indirectly throughintervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments orrelationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term“operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connectionthat allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue ofthat relationship. The term “integral” (or “unitary”) relates to a partmade as a single part, or a part made of separate components fixedly(i.e., non-moveably) connected together. Additionally, the word “a” and“an” as used in the claims means “at least one” and the word “two” asused in the claims means “at least two”.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a door system 10 according to a first exemplaryembodiment of the present invention, such as a pre-hung door. The doorsystem 10 according to the present invention includes a conventionalhinged residential exterior door assembly 11, but it should beunderstood that the door assembly 11 according to the present inventionmay be an exterior or interior door assembly having a pivotallyconnected door provided for a residential or commercial building, suchas a home, apartment, garage, condominium, hotel, office building, orthe like. The door assembly 11 may be made of any appropriate material,such as wood, metal, wood composite material, fiberglass reinforcedpolymer composite or the like. The door assembly 11 includes asubstantially rectangular door frame 12 and a door 14 pivotally attachedthereto by at least one hinge 16 ₁, such as “butt hinge” that includestwo leaves.

The door frame 12 includes first and second parallel, spaced apartvertically extending jamb members 12 ₁, 12 ₂ and a horizontallyextending upper jamb rail member or header 12 c that connects upper endsof the first and second jamb members 12 ₁, 12 ₂. Those skilled in theart recognize that lower ends of the jamb members 12 ₁, 12 ₂ may beinterconnected through a threshold 12 _(t).

The at least one hinge 16 ₁ pivotally attaches the door 14 to the firstjamb member 12 ₁. Typically, at least two hinges 16 ₁ and 16 ₂ areprovided to secure the door 14 to the first jamb member 12 ₁.Preferably, as best shown in FIG. 2, three hinges 16 ₁, 16 ₂, 16 ₃ areused to secure the door 14 to the door frame 12. In the interest ofsimplicity, the following discussion will sometimes use referencenumeral 16 without a subscript numeral to designate an entire group ofhinges. For example, the reference numeral 16 will be sometimes usedwhen generically referring to the hinges 16 ₁, 16 ₂ and 16 ₃.

The door 14 includes a rectangular inner door frame 20, an exterior doorskin (or facing) 23, and an interior door skin (or facing) 24 secured toopposite sides of the inner door frame 20. The exterior and interiordoor skins 23 and 24 are formed separately from one another and usuallyare identical in appearance. The door skins 23 and 24 are secured, e.g.,typically adhesively, to a suitable core and/or to opposite sides of theinner door frame 20 so that the inner door frame 20 is sandwichedbetween the exterior and interior door skins 23 and 24. Typically, theexterior and interior door skins 23 and 24 are made of a polymer-basedcomposite, such as sheet molding compound (“SMC”) or medium-densityfiberboard (MDF), other wood composite materials, fiber-reinforcedpolymer, such as fiberglass, hardboard, fiberboard, steel, and otherthermoplastic materials. The door 14 has a hinge side 14H mounted to theinner door frame 20 by the hinges 16, and a horizontally opposite latchside 14L.

The inner door frame 20 includes a pair of parallel, spaced aparthorizontally extending top and bottom rails 21 ₁ and 21 ₂, respectively,and a pair of parallel, spaced apart vertically extending first andsecond stiles 22 ₁ and 22 ₂, respectively, typically manufactured fromwood or an engineered wood, such as a laminated veneer lumber (LVL). Thetop and bottom rails 21 ₁ and 21 ₂ horizontally extend between the firstand second stiles 22 ₁ and 22 ₂. Moreover, the top and bottom rails 21 ₁and 21 ₂ may be fixedly secured to the first and second stiles 22 ₁ and22 ₂, such as through adhesive or mechanical fasteners. The inner doorframe 20 further may include a mid-rail 21 ₃, best shown in FIGS. 3-5.The mid-rail 21 ₃ extends horizontally and is spaced apart from the topand bottom rails 21 ₁ and 21 ₂, respectively, and is typically alsomanufactured from wood or an engineered wood, such as a laminated veneerlumber (LVL). Moreover, the mid-rail 21 ₃ may be fixedly secured to thefirst and second stiles 22 ₁ and 22 ₂. The hinges 16 are secured to thefirst stile 22 ₁, which defines a hinge stile of the inner door frame20. The door 14 may also include a protective cap 19 made of compositematerial, as best shown in FIG. 4. Specifically, the protective cap 19can be made from polyvinyl chloride or other weatherable polymer. Asfurther illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the door 14 also includes avertically extending inner stile 22 ₃, which is adjacent to andhorizontally spaced from the second stile 22 ₂ so as to define avertical supply passage 25 therebetween. The inner stile 22 ₃ may alsobe manufactured from wood or an engineered wood, such as a laminatedveneer lumber (LVL).

The inner door frame 20 and the exterior and interior door skins 23, 24of a typical door surround an interior cavity, which may be hollow ormay be filled with, for example, corrugated pads, foam insulation, orother core materials, if desired. Thus, the door 14 may include a core15 disposed within the inner door frame 20 between the exterior andinterior door skins 23 and 24. The core 15 may be formed from foaminsulation, such as polyurethane foam material, cellulosic material andbinder resin, corrugated pads, etc.

The door system 10, according to the first exemplary embodiment,comprises a number of electric components (devices) mounted to the door14 of the door system 10 to provide functions, such as electronic accesscontrol, door state feedback, entry camera and audio/videocommunication, etc. Specifically, the electric devices that may bemounted to the door 14 of the door system 10 include, but are notlimited to, an electric powered door latch 30, an electric powered doorlock 34, a video doorbell 36 ₁, and a digital camera 36 ₂, as bestillustrated in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the video doorbell 36 ₁ and thedigital camera 36 ₂ may be mounted to the door frame 12 or even adjacentto the frame 12 on a wall of the building. It should be understood thatthe door system 10 according to the present invention may include otherelectric devices. In the interest of simplicity, the followingdiscussion will sometimes use a reference numeral without a subscriptnumeral to designate an entire group of the electric devices. Forexample, the reference numeral 36 will be sometimes used whengenerically referring to the electric devices 36 ₁ and 36 ₂.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electric powered door latch 30according to the first exemplary embodiment is a 3-point latch thatincludes a handle (or knob) 32, a powered central latch 33C, a poweredtop latch 33T and a powered bottom latch 33B. The handle 32 is manuallyoperable by a user to retract the central latch 33C to allow opening ofthe door 14 from a closed position to an open position. As furtherillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electric powered door lock 34 is inthe form of a deadbolt device, although other locking systems may beutilized. The electric door lock 34 includes a locking element in theform of a deadbolt 35 operable between an extended or locked position,which prevents opening of the door 14, and a retracted or unlockedposition, which allows opening of the door 14. As best illustrated inFIGS. 1-3, the electric powered door latch 30 and the electric powereddoor lock 34 are mounted to the latch side 14L of the door 14.Specifically, the electric powered door latch 30 and the electricpowered door lock 34 are mounted to the second stile 22 ₂, which definesa latch stile of the inner door frame 20.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the door system 10 further comprises a lowvoltage (such as 5 volts (V), 12 volts, 24 volts or other requiredvoltage) power converter, such as an AC to DC (AC/DC) converter 40mounted to the door frame 12. Alternatively, the power converter, suchas the low voltage AC/DC converter 40 may be disposed outside the doorassembly 11, such as at the wall adjacent the frame 12. According to thepresent invention, as best illustrated in FIG. 3, the low voltage AC/DCconverter 40 is located in a pocket (or slot) 41 machined or otherwiseformed into the first jamb member 12 ₁ of the door frame 12 so that thelow voltage AC/DC converter 40 is accessible from outside of the firstjamb member 12 ₁ of and removably mounted in the pocket 41 so that itmay be accessed for maintenance and replacement. The first jamb member12 ₁ is adjacent to the hinges 16 and the first stile of the inner doorframe 20, i.e., adjacent to the hinge side 14H of the door 14. The lowvoltage AC/DC converter 40 is electrically connected by high voltageelectrical wires 43 to a 115 (or 120) V AC power unit 42 installedduring home construction and located adjacent the door system 10 orinstalled during installation of door system 10. While we illustrate theAC/DC converter 40 as being located in or on the first jamb member 12 ₁,it may be located elsewhere on the frame 12.

The low voltage AC/DC converter 40 can be located at a standardizedheight on the first jamb member 12 ₁ of the door frame 12 such as whenthe AC power unit 42 is installed during home construction. Due to theirclose proximity, the AC/DC converter 40 and AC power unit 42 may beeasily electrically connected. The AC power unit 42 defines a source ofhigh voltage (i.e., more than 45 volts, such as 120 (or 115) volts ofstandard general-purpose alternating-current (AC) electrical powersupply or a high voltage electrical power supply) disposed outside butadjacent the door system 10. Typically, the standard 120 (or 115) voltsgeneral-purpose AC electrical power supply is known in the USA as gridpower, wall power, or domestic power (also known as the effectivevoltage of the US standard household circuit, which is about 120 volts).Other voltages, such as 220 volts, may be used. The low voltage AC/DCconverter 40 changes the standard general-purpose alternating-current(AC) high voltage of 120 V to the low voltage of 5 volts DC, 24 voltsDC, or other required voltage (generally, less than 40 volts DC). Manyelectric devices operate at 5 volts DC or 12 volts DC, so the AC/DCconverter 40 steps down the power and current type to allow typical 120(or 115) volts general-purpose AC electrical to be available for use atthe door system 10.

The AC/DC converter 40 is electrically connected to the door 14 throughan electric power transfer device. According to the present invention, alow voltage supply electrical wire(s) 44 runs from the low voltage AC/DCconverter 40 to the electric power transfer device, such as through oneof the hinges 16 ₁, 16 ₂, 16 ₃. Specifically, the low voltage supplyelectrical wire 44 runs to and through the hinge 16 ₁ disposed usuallyin the middle of the first jamb member 12 ₁ of the door frame 12 andprovides an electric powered (or electric transfer) hinge that conductsthe low voltage electrical power therethrough. The low voltage supplyelectrical wire 44 transfers electrical power across or through theelectric powered hinge 16 ₁. Exemplary electrical hinges are disclosedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,860,312, 3,857,625, 3,842,386, 3,838,234, 3,355,695,1,744,040, 615,209, 612,192 and US published patent application No.2017/0306674, 2014/0213073, 2014/0001880, 2012/0073083, the completedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Alternatively, an electric power transfer device, such as provided by anarmored electrical cable, may be used instead of the hinges 16 ₁, 16 ₂,16 ₃ to transfer low voltage electrical power from the door frame 12 tothe pivotable door 14. The low voltage supply electrical wire(s) 44 maypass from the low voltage AC/DC converter 40 in the first jamb member 12₁ of the door frame 12 to the pivotable door 14 without using theelectric powered hinge, i.e., bypassing any of the door hinges 16 ₁, 16₂, 16 ₃. Exemplary electric power transfer devices are disclosed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 3,848,361, 4,445,299, 6,350,956, 6,812,407, 8,448,382,8,505,169 and 9,825,443, the complete disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference. Low voltage DC power is supplied todoor 14 in order to minimize the possibility of electrical shock to auser. Further, the electric devices 36 typically are battery operatedand thus operate on DC current at relatively low voltages, typically 5 VDC.

The supply electrical wire(s) 44 is connected to the powered hinge 16 ₁on the hinge side 14H of the door 14 and preferably runs through ahorizontal supply channel 27 to a DC power distribution system 48, suchas provided by an electrical distribution block, located in or adjacentto the vertical supply passage 25 on the latch side 14L of the door 14.The DC power distribution system 48 transmits low voltage DC power,data, electric signals, or a combination thereof. According to the firstexemplary embodiment, the DC power distribution system 48 is disposed ina pocket (or slot) 49 machined or otherwise formed into the inner stile22 ₃ of the second stile 22 ₂ of the inner door frame 20. Moreover, thevertical supply passage 25 may be accessed before the electric doorlatch 30 and/or the electric door lock 34 are installed. Electric powercan be delivered through the vertical supply passage 25 from the DCpower distribution system 48 to the electric devices 36 ₁ and 36 ₂ thatare mounted to the door 14, specifically into the latch stile 22 ₂.

A plurality of connecting electrical wires 54 extend through thevertical supply passage 25 and electrically connect the DC powerdistribution system 48 to the electric powered door latch 30, theelectric powered door lock 34, and the electric powered devices 36 ₁ and36 ₂. Alternatively, electrical connectors may be pre-mounted in thevertical supply passage 25 at desired locations, so that the electricdevices 36 may simply be inserted and plugged into or otherwiseelectrically connected to electrical connectors. A standard flange sizeand connector location relative to location of a flange of the electricdevices 36 may be set so that suppliers may supply electric devices thatare easily connected into the door 14. The supply electrical wire 44 andthe plurality of the connecting electrical wires 54 together define anelectrical wire system, which is disposed within the door 14 and iselectrically connected to the AC/DC converter 40 and to the DC electricdevices 30, 34 and 36.

In the event the electric devices 36 have connectors for connection tothe DC power distribution system 48, the connectors may have a flange orsome other unique identifier to mate with a complementary receptacle inorder to identify or designate the connector and thus its electricdevice 36 is approved for use with the door system 10. Alternatively,the electric devices 36 may have an electronic signature or some otheridentifier to assure that the electric device 36 is approved forinstallation. A software handshake is another verification mechanismthat may be utilized for electric devices 36.

The vertical supply passage 25 is formed between the second stile 22 ₂and the inner stile 22 ₃. As further illustrated in FIG. 4, the verticalsupply passage 25 is also delimited by a front inner strip 60 ₁ adjacentto the exterior door skin 23, and a rear inner strip 60 ₂ adjacent tothe interior door skin 24, both made of appropriate material, such asfiberglass reinforced polymer. A space 62 ₁ between the exterior doorskin 23 and the front inner strip 60 ₁ as well as a space 62 ₂ betweenthe interior door skin 24 and the rear inner strip 60 ₂ is filled withappropriate material, such as closed-cell polystyrene foam (e.g.,Styrofoam®). The layers of polystyrene foam provide thermal insulationto the vertical supply passage 25 so the door 14 will meet energyrequirements. The fiberglass reinforced strips 60 ₁ and 60 ₂ provideadditional structural support and a barrier between the electric devices36 and the polystyrene foam. Alternatively, the spaces 62 ₁ and 62 ₂ maybe made of higher density foam layer, thus eliminating the need for thefiberglass reinforced strips 60 ₁ and 60 ₂.

The door 14 according to the first exemplary embodiment allows easyintegration of the electric devices 36, while maintaining structural,insulation, noise attenuation, and aesthetic requirements of an exteriordoor. Moreover, according to the first exemplary embodiment, slots (oropenings) 56, such as of up to 1″ in width, may be machined into thelatch stile 22 ₂ to allow mounting of various electric devices, as bestshown in FIG. 3. While we show slots 56 opening onto stile 22 ₂, theslots may open onto door facings 23, 24. The slots 56 open into thevertical supply passage 25. The connecting electrical wires 54 may berun to the DC power distribution system 48 or connectors may bepre-mounted to the inner stile 22 ₃ in the vertical supply passage 25,thus allowing the electric devices to be plugged-in so that electricpower can be supplied for use and functioning of the electric devices.Providing electric power to the door system 10 and the door 14 minimizesthe need for changing batteries, thus assuring more reliable operationand functioning of the electric devices 36.

Alternatively, as best shown in FIG. 5, the vertical supply passage 25may be machined into the second stile 22 ₂ as a recess extendingvertically therealong. The supply channel 27 extends from the hinge side14H of the door 14 toward the vertical supply passage 25. The supplychannel 27 is formed between the exterior and interior door skins 23 and24 and an inner strip 63 adjacent to the exterior and interior doorskins 23 and 24. The supply channel 27 is connected to the verticalsupply passage 25 through a notch 26 formed in the inner stile 22 ₃ atthe intersection of the vertical supply passage 25 and the supplychannel 27. The second stile 22 ₂ as illustrated in FIG. 5 may be madeof high-density plastic foam, such as PVC, polystyrene, polypropylene,polyurethane or other plastic foam with a specific gravity greater than0.4.

As further shown in FIG. 6, the electric device 36 is inserted into anopening 56 formed in the second stile 22 ₂. The low voltage supplyelectrical wire 44 runs through the supply channel 27, while one of theconnecting electrical wires 54 extends through the vertical supplypassage 25 and is electrically connected to the electric device 36, thuselectrically connecting the electric device 36 to the low voltage AC/DCconverter 40. Similarly, the connecting electrical wires 54 areelectrically connected to the electric powered door latch 30 and theelectric powered door lock 34, thus electrically connecting the electricpowered door latch 30 and the electric powered door lock 34 to the lowvoltage AC/DC converter 40.

Further alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, the vertical supply passage25 may be machined into the second stile 22 ₂ so as to extend verticallytherealong. The supply channel 27 may be machined through thehorizontally extending mid-rail 21 ₃ and extends from the hinge side 14Hof the door 14 towards the vertical supply passage 25. Moreover, thesupply channel 27 through the horizontally extending mid-rail 21 ₃ isconnected to the vertical supply passage 25 through a connecting conduit126 in the second stile 22 ₂. Alternatively, the supply channel 27 isformed through the core 15 of the door 14.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a door system, generally labeled with thereference numeral 110, according to a second exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention. Components, which function in the same ways as in thefirst exemplary embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIGS.1-7 are labeled with the same reference characters. Components, whichare constructed similar to or function in the same way as in the firstexemplary embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals towhich 100 has been added, sometimes without being described in detailsince similarities between the corresponding parts in the twoembodiments will be readily perceived by the reader.

A door 114 of the door system 110 includes a mid-rail 121 ₃, as bestshown in FIG. 9. As further illustrated in FIG. 9, an interior door skin124 and/or the mid-rail 121 ₃ is formed with a horizontally extendingand exteriorly open groove (or recess) 128 defining a horizontal supplychannel 127 receiving the low voltage supply electrical wire 44 therein.The open groove 128 is open to the interior door skin 124 of the door114, and preferably is covered with a removable cover (or lid) 129. Thecover 129 removably snaps into the open groove 128 in the interior doorskin 124 of the door 114, or is otherwise removably connected thereto.

FIG. 10 illustrates a door system, generally labeled with the referencenumeral 210, according to a third exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. Components, which function in the same ways as in the firstexemplary embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-7 arelabeled with the same reference characters. Components, which areconstructed similar to or function in the same way as in the firstexemplary embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals towhich 200 has been added, sometimes without being described in detailsince similarities between the corresponding parts in the twoembodiments will be readily perceived by the reader.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the door system 210 comprises a plurality ofelectric devices 36 integrated into the door assembly 211. Specifically,the door 14 of the door system 210 includes at least four electricdevices 36 ₁-36 ₄ mounted thereto, as illustrated in FIG. 10. Theelectric devices may include, but are not limited to a video doorbell, adigital camera, LED lighting, etc. It should be understood that the door14 of the door system 210 according to the present invention may includeother electric devices, as there are a number of electric devicesmarketed to be mounted to doors and provide functions such as electronicaccess control, door state feedback, entry camera and communication,etc. Moreover, the electric devices 36 ₁-36 ₄ are typically low-voltageDC electric devices operated by low voltage DC electrical power (such as5 volts (V), 24 volts or other required voltage).

The electric devices that may be mounted to the door system 210 include,but are not limited to, an electric powered door latch 30, an electricpowered door lock 34, a video doorbell 36 ₁, a digital camera 36 ₂, athreshold LED light 36 ₃ and a hallway illumination light 36 ₄, ambientlight sensor, and motion detector 62, as best illustrated in FIG. 10.The electric powered door latch 30 and the electric powered door lock 34are mounted to the inner door frame 20 of the door 14, while the videodoorbell 36 ₁, the digital camera 36 ₂ and the threshold LED light 36 ₃may be mounted to the door frame 12 or to the door 14 of the door system210. The threshold LED light 36 ₃ may illuminate when an authorizedperson is recognized or when a person approaches the door 14.

Similarly, one or more sensors may be provided to not only turn-on theLED light(s) 36 ₃ but allow the electric powered door lock 34 to lockafter determining that the individual has passed through the door 14 andthe 14 door is closed, to communicate with a smartphone app to allow theowner to monitor activity around the door 14, to determine the status ofthe door 14, whether open or closed, and to determine whether someone isapproaching the door 14. It should be understood that the door assembly211 according to the present invention may include other electricdevices. In the interest of simplicity, the following discussion willsometimes use a reference numeral without a subscript numeral todesignate an entire group of the electric devices. For example, thereference numeral 36 will be sometimes used when generically referringto the electric devices 36 ₁-36 ₄.

During the installation of the digital camera 36 ₂, the exterior doorfacing 23 is drilled, preferably at a predetermined place, for exposinga lens of the digital camera 36 ₂. The digital camera 36 ₂ may be fixedto the exterior door facing 23 by a bezel (not shown) when the digitalcamera 36 ₂ is received in the corresponding slot 56. Moreover, thebezel preferably prevents humidity, moisture, water or rain penetrationinside the door 14 and may also serve to harden the digital camera 36 ₂in order to minimize tampering, for example.

Moreover, the door system 210 comprises an electric powered door latch30 operated at low voltage DC electrical power, and a powered doorcloser (or electric power door operator) 52 mounted to the frameassembly 12 and operated by high voltage AC electrical power, such as120 volts. Alternatively, the electric door operator 52 may be alsooperated at low-voltage DC electrical power. The electric powered doorlatch 30 may have a lighted doorknob 32 and a lighted keyhole, whichilluminate, such as when an authorized person is recognized.

As best illustrated in FIG. 10, the door system 210 further comprises anAC distribution unit 46 mounted to the door frame 12. According to thethird exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the AC distributionunit 46 preferably is located in a pocket (or slot) 47 machined orotherwise formed into the first jamb member 12 ₁ of the door frame 12 sothat the AC distribution unit 46 is accessible from outside of the firstjamb member 12 ₁ and removably mounted in the pocket 47. The ACdistribution unit 46 may be located at a location on frame 12 other thanon first jamb member 12 ₁. As noted above, the first jamb member 12 ₁ isadjacent to the hinges 16 and the first stile of the door frame 20,i.e., adjacent to the hinge side 14H of the door 14. Alternatively, theAC distribution unit 46 may be located in a pocket (or slot) machined orotherwise formed into the upper jamb rail member 12 c of the frameassembly 12. Further alternatively, the AC distribution unit 46 may bedisposed outside the door assembly 11.

The AC distribution unit 46 is electrically connected to a 120 (or 115)V AC power unit 42 installed during home construction. The ACdistribution unit 46 also is electrically connected to a low voltage ACto DC (AC/DC) converter 40 located in a pocket (or slot) 41 machinedinto the first jamb member 12 ₁ of the frame assembly 12, which isadjacent to the hinges 16 and the first stile of the inner door frame20, i.e., adjacent to the hinge side 14H of the door 14. In this way,the 120 V AC power is distributed by the AC distribution unit 46 and tothe low voltage AC/DC converter 40 mounted in the door frame 12, and toat least one other electric device mounted into or on the door frame 12,such as the powered door closer 52, through a high-voltage supply wire45, shown in FIG. 10.

Low-voltage supply electrical wires 44 run from the low-voltage AC/DCconverter 40 to one of the hinges 16 ₁, 16 ₂, 16 ₃ or, alternatively,through an electric power transfer device 18. Preferably, the lowvoltage supply electrical wires 44 run to and through the hinge 16 ₁disposed in the middle of the first jamb member 12 ₁ of the door frame12 and define a powered (or electrical) hinge that conducts the lowvoltage electrical power. The low voltage supply electrical wires 44transfer low-voltage DC electrical power across the powered hinge 16 ₁.The low-voltage supply electrical wires 44 are connected to the poweredhinge 16 ₁ on the hinge side 14H of the door 14 and runs to the DC powerdistribution system 48. Low-voltage DC electrical power is deliveredfrom the distribution system 48 to the electric powered door latch 30and the electric devices 36 ₁-36 ₃ that are mounted to the door 14.Moreover, the low-voltage DC electrical power is delivered from thelow-voltage AC/DC converter 40 directly to the low-voltage electricdevice 36 ₄ that is mounted to the frame assembly 12 by the low-voltagesupply electrical wires 44 so as to bypass the DC power distributionsystem 48, as shown in FIG. 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the door assembly 210 further comprises alow-voltage back-up battery (or battery pack) 50 mounted to the door 14,such as to the inner door frame 20. According to the third exemplaryembodiment, the back-up battery 50 slides into a pocket formed into oneof the stiles (e.g., the second stile 22 ₂) of the inner door frame 20.The battery 50 is electrically connected to the DC power distributionsystem 48. The battery 50 has a low nominal voltage (such as 5 volts(V), 24 volts or other required voltage). The nominal voltage of thebattery 50 corresponds to an output voltage of the low voltage AC/DCconverter 40. The door system 210 is powered and operated by theelectrical power of the battery 50 as a secondary back-up electricalpower source for the powered door latch 30 and the electric devices 36₁-36 ₄. Preferably, the battery 50 is also connected to the DC powerdistribution system 48 for back-up as well as to provide additionalamperage for momentary, high amperage devices such as the powered doorlatch 30. Preferably, the battery 50 is a rechargeable battery that ischarged from the DC power distribution system 48. Thus, in the doorsystem 210, the reliance on batteries as a primary power source is lessimportant, or if a battery option is used, a larger consolidated battery50 may be stored in the door 14 and not in each of the electric devices.

FIG. 11 illustrates a door system, generally labeled with the referencenumeral 310, according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. Components, which function in the same ways as in the thirdexemplary embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 10 arelabeled with the same reference characters. Components, which areconstructed similar to or function in the same way as in the firstexemplary embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals,sometimes without being described in detail since similarities betweenthe corresponding parts in the two embodiments will be readily perceivedby the reader.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the door system 310 comprises a plurality ofelectric devices 36 integrated into the door system 310. Specifically,the door 14 of the door system 310 includes at least four electricdevices 36 ₁-36 ₄ mounted thereto, as illustrated in FIG. 11. Theelectric devices may include, but are not limited to a video doorbell, adigital camera, LED lighting, etc. It should be understood that the door14 of the door system 310 according to the present invention may includeother electric devices, as there are a number of electric devicesmarketed to be mounted to doors and provide functions such as electronicaccess control, door state feedback, entry camera and communication,etc. Moreover, the electric devices 36 ₁-36 ₄ are typically low-voltageDC electric devices operated by low voltage DC electrical power (such as5 volts (V), 24 volts or other required voltage).

The AC/DC converter 40 is electrically connected to the door 14 throughan electric power transfer device 18. According to the fourth embodimentof the present invention, a low voltage supply electrical wire 44 runsfrom the low voltage AC/DC converter 40 to the electric power transferdevice 18. The electric power transfer device 18 according to the fourthembodiment of the present invention is disposed outside any of thehinges 16 ₁, 16 ₂, 16 ₃ and is configured to transfer low voltageelectrical power from the door frame 12 to the pivotable door 14. Thelow voltage supply electrical wire 44 passes from the low voltage AC/DCconverter 40 in the first jamb member 12 ₁ of the door frame 12 to thepivotable door 14 bypassing any of the door hinges 16 ₁, 16 ₂, 16 ₃.Exemplary electric power transfer devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 3,848,361, 4,445,299, 6,350,956, 6,812,407, 8,448,382, 8,505,169and 9,825,443, the complete disclosures of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

The electric devices that may be mounted to the door system 310 include,but are not limited to, an electric powered door latch 30, an electricpowered door lock 34, a video doorbell 36 ₁, a digital camera 36 ₂, athreshold LED light 36 ₃ and a hallway illumination light 36 ₄ with amotion detector 62, as best illustrated in FIG. 11. The threshold LEDlight 36 ₃ may illuminate when an authorized person is recognized orwhen a person approaches the door 14. Similarly, one or more sensors maybe provided to not only turn-on the LED light(s) 36 ₃ but allow theelectric powered door lock 34 to lock after determining that theindividual has passed through the door 14 and the door 14 is closed, tocommunicate with a smartphone app to allow the owner to monitor activityaround the door 14, to determine the status of the door 14, whether openor closed, and to determine whether someone is approaching the door 14.The sensors may be mounted to the door 14, to the frame 12, or adjacentto the frame 12. The sensors may communicate wirelessly with acontroller located in door 14. Alternatively, a wired connection fromAC/DC converter 40 may be provided to allow power to be provided to thesensors and to allow the sensors to transmit data as needed.

120 V AC electrical power can also be connected to the door 14 from theAC distribution unit 46 if AC voltage is needed in the door 14. The door14 can be constructed with multiple prewired receptacles where electricdevices and/or the battery can simply be plugged into an edge of thedoor 14 and a cover plate installed to enclose the electric devices.Ventilation preferably is provided in the cover plate to aid in heattransfer, or a conduit may be connected to the receptacles and vent airout a top of the door 14.

FIG. 12 illustrates a door system, generally labeled with the referencenumeral 410, according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. Components, which function in the same ways as in the thirdexemplary embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 10 arelabeled with the same reference characters. Components, which areconstructed similar to or function in the same way as in the firstexemplary embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals,sometimes without being described in detail since similarities betweenthe corresponding parts in the two embodiments will be readily perceivedby the reader.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the door system 410 comprises a plurality ofDC electric devices 36 integrated into the door system 410. The electricdevices that may be mounted to the door system 410 include, but are notlimited to, an electric powered door latch 30, an electric powered doorlock 34, a video doorbell 36 ₁, a digital camera 36 ₂, a threshold LEDlight 36 ₃ and a hallway illumination light 36 ₄ provided with a motionsensor (or motion detector) 62 or a proximity sensor mounted to theframe assembly 12, as best illustrated in FIG. 12. The threshold LEDlight 363 illuminates, such as when an authorized person is recognized.Some of the DC electric devices, such as the video doorbell 36 ₁, thedigital camera 36 ₂, the threshold LED light 36 ₃, may be mounted to thedoor frame 12 or to the door 14.

It should be understood that the door 14 of the door system 410according to the present invention may include other electric devices,as there are a number of electric devices marketed to be mounted todoors and provide functions such as electronic access control, doorstate feedback, entry camera and communication, etc. Moreover, theelectric devices 30, 34, 36 ₁-36 ₄ are typically low-voltage DC electricdevices operated by low voltage DC electrical power (such as 5 volts(V), 24 volts or other required voltage).

The AC/DC converter 40 is electrically connected to the door 14 by aplurality of low voltage connecting electrical wires 454 run from thelow voltage AC/DC converter 40 to the electric power transfer device,such as one of the hinges 16 ₁, 16 ₂, 16 ₃. The connecting electricalwires 454 together define an electrical wire system. According to thefifth exemplary embodiment, the electrical wire system is in the form ofa wire harness 444 electrically connected to the AC/DC converter 40 andto the DC electric devices 30, 34 and 36.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the door 14 of the door assembly 410 furthercomprises a central electronic control unit (ECU) (or power managementcontroller) 58 configured to be programmed to receive input from one ormore sensors, such as the motion sensor (or motion detector) 62 (may bein wireless communication with the central ECU 58), a proximity sensor,or a smoke detector. ECU 58 may also send commands to the electricdevices 36 ₁-36 ₄, the electric powered door latch 30, and also to thehomeowner. The ECU 58 preferably is an electronic controller havingfirmware and/or associated software suitable for assuring operation ofthe ECU and its interaction with the electric devices 36 and associatedsensors, if any. Preferably, the battery 50, the power managementcontroller 58, the sensor(s), the electric powered door latch 30 and/orat least some of the electric devices are mounted into the edge of thelatch side 14L of the door 14 in the prewired receptacles forintegration, modularization and serviceability. Alternatively, at leastsome of these devices, such as the power management controller 58, maybe mounted to the door fame 12.

The central ECU 58 controls the electric powered door latch 30 and theelectric devices 36 ₁-36 ₄. Accordingly, the central ECU 58 is incommunication with the electric powered door latch 30, the electricpowered door lock 34 and the electric devices 36 ₁-36 ₄, such as throughethernet communication including data and/or signal links 460 ₁, 460 ₂,460 ₃, 460 ₄ and 460L. As best shown in FIG. 12, the data links 460 ₄and 460L extend through the wire harness 444. Preferably, the data linksare in the form of a data bus that provides transportation for dataand/or control signals going both ways. Alternatively, the central ECU58 may be in communication with the electric powered door latch 30 andthe electric devices 36 ₁-36 ₄ through one of the following wirelesstechnologies: Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, LAN, mobile telecommunicationstechnology (3G, 4G or 5G), etc.

The central ECU 58 also controls the electric powered door latch 30 andthe electric powered door lock 34. The electric powered door latch 30includes an electric latch operator, which may be used to lock the door14 based upon input signals received from the central ECU 58. Thecentral ECU 58 may allow the electric powered door latch 30 to beunlatched without the intervention of a user. To unlatch the door 14,the electric latch operator moves the central latch bolt 33 of theelectric powered door latch 30 by an electric motor associated with theelectric latch operator of the electric powered door latch 30 into theretracted position. Thus, the power management controller 58 with thedata links 460 ₁, 460 ₂, 460 ₃, 460 ₄ and 460L defines a powermanagement system for the door assembly 10. In other words, the powermanagement controller 58 is operable to control power to each of the DCelectric devices 30, 34 and 36, receive data from each of thelow-voltage DC electric devices 30, 34 and 36, and to provide a controlsignal to each of the DC electric devices 30, 34 and 36. The doorassembly 410 can be configured by a user to enable both local and cloudintegration and data storage. While we prefer the ECU 58 to beintegrated into door 14, it may be located adjacent door 14, such as onframe 12, or adjacent frame 12.

Moreover, the door system 410 comprises a powered door closer (orelectric power door operator) 52 mounted to the frame assembly 12 andoperated by high voltage AC electrical power 120 volts, and a doorsensor 64 (in wireless communication with the central ECU 58) configuredto determine the state of the door 14 (open or closed). Alternatively,the electric door operator 52 may be also operated at low-voltage DCelectrical power.

According to the third exemplary embodiment, the AC powered door closer52 and the door sensor 64, such as a Hall-effect sensor, interact toclose the door 14 when the door sensor 64 determines that the door 14 isopen. It should be understood that capabilities of the door sensor 64may contemplate various “states” of the door or the door devices, i.e.,locked/unlocked, open/closed, lights on/off, etc, but should also senseproblems with the DC or AC electric devices themselves, for example, noWiFi or Bluetooth signal, too much power draw, not enough power draw,too hot, too cold, (for a back-up battery 50, for example), etc. Thedoor sensor(s) 64 communicate a signal to ECU 58, which then determinesthe action to take in response to the signal and issues a command to theappropriate electric device. In this way, the door sensor 64 may send asignal to ECU 58 that the door 14 is open, and the ECU 58 may issue acommand to door closer 52 to operate to close the door. The door opensignal may be communicated by the door sensor 64, such as on a periodicbasis, but may be in response to an inquiry, such as from the ownerthrough use of a smartphone app.

FIG. 13 illustrates a door system, generally labeled with the referencenumeral 510, according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. Components, which function in the same ways as in the thirdexemplary embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 12 arelabeled with the same reference characters. Components, which areconstructed similar to or function in the same way as in the firstexemplary embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals,sometimes without being described in detail since similarities betweenthe corresponding parts in the two embodiments will be readily perceivedby the reader.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the low voltage AC/DC converter 40 isdisposed outside the door assembly 11, specifically outside the doorframe 12. Moreover, the AC/DC converter 40 is electrically connected tothe DC electric devices 30, 34 and 36 by a wire harness 444.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a door system, generally labeled with thereference numeral 610, according to a seventh exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention. Components, which function in the same ways as inthe third exemplary embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG.12 are labeled with the same reference characters. Components, which areconstructed similar to or function in the same way as in the priorexemplary embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals orby the reference numerals to which 600 has been added, sometimes withoutbeing described in detail since similarities between the correspondingparts in the two embodiments will be readily perceived by the reader.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the door system 610 comprises asubstantially rectangular door frame 12 and a door 614 pivotallyattached thereto by at least one hinge 16 ₁, such as “butt hinge” thatincludes two leaves. Preferably, the door system 610 comprises threehinges 16 ₁, 16 ₂, 16 ₃ used to pivotally attach the door 614 to thedoor frame 12. The door system 610 further comprises a plurality of DCelectric devices (components) integrated into the door system 610. TheDC electric devices are mounted to the door 614 or to the door frame 12of the door system 610 to provide functions, such as electronic accesscontrol, door state feedback, entry camera and audio/videocommunication, etc. Specifically, the DC electric devices that aremounted to the door 614 of the door system 610 include, but are notlimited to, a keypad electronic door lock 634 with a deadbolt 635, whilethe DC electric devices that are mounted to the door frame 12 or evenadjacent to the frame 12 on a wall of the building include, but are notlimited to, a threshold illumination light 636 ₄, a door lockillumination light 36 ₅, and a doorknob illumination light 36 ₆ forilluminating a doorknob (or handle) 632 of a manual or electric powereddoor latch 630. While the lights 636 ₄, 36 ₅, and 36 ₆ are shown mountedto the exterior of frame 12, they may be mounted in pockets formed intothe frame 12 in order to be recessed and not easily accessible, such asto an intruder.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the door system 610 further comprises a lowvoltage (such as 5 volts (V), 12 volts, 24 volts or other requiredvoltage) AC/DC converter 40 mounted to the door frame 12. Alternatively,the low voltage AC/DC converter 40 may be disposed outside the doorassembly 11, such as at the wall adjacent the frame 12. According to thepresent invention, as best illustrated in FIG. 15, the low voltage AC/DCconverter 40 is located in a pocket (or slot) 41 machined or otherwiseformed into the first jamb member 12 ₁ of the door frame 12 so that thelow voltage AC/DC converter 40 is accessible from outside of the firstjamb member 12 ₁ of and removably mounted in the pocket 41. The lowvoltage AC/DC converter 40 is electrically connected by high voltageelectrical cable 643 to a 115 (or 120) V AC power unit installed duringhome construction and located outside the door system 610.

Further according to the seventh exemplary embodiment, the AC/DCconverter 40 is electrically connected to a DC power distribution system648 by an electric power transfer device including an armored cable 644provided to transmit low voltage DC power, data, electric signals, or acombination thereof. Preferably the pockets in which the AC/DC converter40 and the distribution system 648 are positioned are sized sufficientlyto allow the armored cable 644 to be retained between them when the door14 is closed and do not impede closing of the door 614.

A door assembly according to the present invention includes a powersystem that has the ability to provide both high-voltage and low-voltageelectrical power for operation of a plurality of the electric devicesintegrated into the door assembly. For the plurality of the electricdevices integrated in the door assembly, the range of watts required,considering amperes and volts specifically required by each of theelectric devices and use, varies widely from LED lighting at the lowend, 2.9 watts per foot at 5 volts, to electromechanical door systemsrequiring extremely high amp output to move a door, typically over 500watts at 120 volts. Thus, the present invention provides two or morepower supply options that better match power needs of electric devicesto allow for easier integration and power management given the diversityof power requirements.

In the door system 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 or 610, a user may accessthe power system of the door system 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 or 610via a wireless connection and a PC or mobile device, such as through asmartphone app, to set up, configure and manage one or more powerconnected electric devices 36. The smartphone app may be used to monitoractivity around the door, to activate the electric powered door lock 34to lock and unlock, and to determine the status of the door, whetheropen or shut. Moreover, a user may access data and have user settableoptions for both addition of electric devices as well as the diagnostichealth of the attached electric devices and/or the battery that would bea more efficient method to service issues occurred with the electricdevices and the battery.

By providing a convenient way to integrate the electric devices(hardware) into the door assembly with power available, manufacturers ofthe electric devices can simplify the designs and provide consumers withcleaner designs that are hidden and integrated into the door and do notrequire replacement of batteries. Furthermore, the invention enablesintegration of the electric devices into the door assembly in astandardized way that allows convenient serviceability of the electricdevices.

The electric devices are integrated into the door assembly according tothe present invention so that the door maintains structural integrity,insulation performance, and is free of distortion or other aestheticdefects.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention has been presented for the purpose of illustration inaccordance with the provisions of the Patent Statutes. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light ofthe above teachings. The embodiments disclosed hereinabove were chosenin order to best illustrate the principles of the present invention andits practical application to thereby enable those of ordinary skill inthe art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and withvarious modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated,as long as the principles described herein are followed. Thus, changescan be made in the above-described invention without departing from theintent and scope thereof. It is also intended that the scope of thepresent invention be defined by the claims appended thereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A door system, comprising: a door frame adaptedto be mounted within an opening; a door pivotally attached to the doorframe; an AC/DC converter operably associated with the door frame andconfigured to be electrically connected to an AC power unit operablyassociated with the door system; and a DC electric device mounted to thedoor and electrically connected to the AC/DC converter.
 2. The doorsystem of claim 1, wherein the door frame includes a pair of parallel,spaced apart first and second jamb members, and a horizontally extendingjamb rail member, and wherein the AC/DC converter is mounted to one ofthe jamb members or the jamb rail member.
 3. The door system of claim 2,further comprising a battery mounted within the door, wherein thebattery is operably connected to the AC/DC converter and to the DCelectric device.
 4. The door system of claim 3, wherein an electricalwire system is disposed within the door and is electrically connected tothe AC/DC converter and to the DC electric device.
 5. The door system ofclaim 4, wherein a plurality of DC electric devices are mounted to thedoor, and wherein each of the DC electric devices is electricallyconnected to the electrical wire system.
 6. The door system of claim 5,wherein the electrical wire system is a wire harness.
 7. The door systemof claim 6, wherein the DC electric devices include at least one of aLED, a powered door lock, and a video camera.
 8. The door system ofclaim 7, further comprising a power management controller mounted to thedoor and operably connected to the AC/DC converter and to the DCelectric devices for controlling operation of the DC electric devices.9. The door system of claim 8, wherein the power management controlleris operable to control power to each of the DC electric devices, receivedata from each of the DC electric devices, and to provide a controlsignal to each of the DC electric devices.
 10. The door system of claim1, further comprising a power management controller mounted to the doorand operably connected to the AC/DC converter and to the DC electricdevice for controlling operation of the DC electric device.
 11. The doorsystem of claim 10, further comprising a sensor, wherein the sensor isin communication with the power management controller and configured tomonitor the DC electric device and provide a signal to the powermanagement controller, and wherein the power management controller isconfigured to respond to the signal in order to control operation of theDC electric device.
 12. The door system of claim 11, further comprisingan electric power transfer device, wherein the electric power transferdevice is connected to the door and adapted to be connected to the AC/DCconverter for providing power for the DC electric device.
 13. The doorsystem of claim 12, wherein the electric power transfer device is one ofa powered hinge, an armored cable, and an electrical wire system. 14.The door assembly of claim 1, further comprising an AC electric deviceoperably associated with the door, wherein the AC electric device iselectrically connected with the AC power unit.
 15. An entry system,comprising: a door frame mounted within an entryway; a door pivotallyattached to the door frame; an AC/DC converter operably associated withthe door frame; an AC power unit operably associated with the door frameand electrically connected to the AC/DC converter; a DC powerdistribution system operably associated with the door and electricallyconnected to the AC/DC converter; and a plurality of DC electric devicesmounted to the door and electrically connected to the AC/DC converterthrough the DC power distribution block.
 16. The entry system of claim15, wherein the door frame includes a pair of parallel, spaced apartfirst and second jamb members, and a horizontally extending jamb railmember, and wherein the AC/DC converter is mounted to one of the jambmembers or the jamb rail member.
 17. The entry system of claim 16,wherein the AC power unit is proximate one of the jamb members or thejamb rail member.
 18. The entry system of claim 17, wherein the DCelectric devices include at least one of a powered lock, a video camera,and LEDs.
 19. The entry system of claim 18, wherein the DC powerdistribution system includes an electrical wire system, and wherein theelectrical wire system is in electrical communication with the AC/DCconverter and each of the DC electric devices.
 20. The entry system ofclaim 19, further comprising a power management controller, wherein thepower management controller is mounted to the door and interfaces withthe DC power distribution system and the DC electric devices.
 21. Theentry system of claim 20, wherein the power management controller isadapted to provide DC power to the DC electric devices, receive datafrom the DC electric devices and to send commands to the DC electricdevices.
 22. The entry system of claim 21, wherein the electrical wiresystem includes a wire harness having a plurality of electric wires. 23.The entry system of claim 17, further comprising an electric powertransfer device interconnecting the AC/DC converter and the DC powerdistribution block.
 24. The entry system of claim 23, wherein theelectric power transfer device includes one of a power hinge, an armoredcable, and an electrical wire system.
 25. The entry system of claim 24,wherein the electrical wire system has first and second ends, andwherein the first end is connected to the AC/DC converter and the secondend is connected to the door.
 26. The entry system of claim 15, furthercomprising a sensor operably associated with the door frame, wherein thesensor is configured to interact with at least one of the DC electricdevices.
 27. The entry system of claim 26, further comprising an ACelectric device operably associated with the door, wherein the ACelectric device is electrically connected with the AC power unit. 28.The entry system of claim 27, wherein the sensor determines the state ofthe door, wherein the AC electric device is a powered door closer, andwherein the sensor and the powered door closer interact to close thedoor when the sensor determines that the door is open.
 29. The entrysystem of claim 28, wherein the sensor is a Hall-effect sensor.
 30. Amethod of operating an entryway, the method comprising the steps of:providing a door frame within an opening, a door having an electricpower operating mechanism pivotally mounted to the door frame;positioning a source of AC power proximate the door frame; generating DCpower by rectifying and reducing the voltage of the AC power, andsupplying low-voltage DC power to the door; positioning at least one DCelectric device on the door; and operating the DC electric device.